Vol. 524 No. 6
211 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will have arrangements made for improved general practitioner cover at the weekends for a large part (details supplied) of County Wexford; and whether there are any guidelines to health boards in relation to the distance over which cover should be provided. [23579/00]
I have asked the South Eastern Health Board about the matter raised by the Deputy and have been advised that the situation is that general practitioners in the geographical area specified operate on a one-in-four rota during the weekend period of Saturday mid-day to 8 a.m. Monday. It has received no complaints about the service being provided at present. The health board keeps the matter of services under ongoing review in order to ensure that general practitioners are meeting their contracted responsibilities to their patients and in this regard initial talks have commenced with general practitioners in the area which aim to extend the CAREDOC scheme to the Wexford area. If the Deputy is aware of any specific case or complaint, I will be happy to have that matter examined by the board.
